Architecting database engines with Mike Bowers

Architecting database engines with Mike Bowers

Author: PM Power Consulting April 26, 2024 Duration: 25:20

My guest today is Mike Bowers, Chief architect at FairCom. We had a very interesting conversation that we decided to publish in two parts. In the first part of the conversation , MIke shares his career path and his perspective on how to approach software development. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer's needs and designing systems that are flexible and scalable. He also discusses the importance of data in software development and his experience working with different data models.

Here are the key points from the conversation:

  • Mike started programming at a young age and has been passionate about it ever since.
  • He has a PhD in music theory and sees connections between music and software development, particularly in terms of patterns.
  • As an architect, he focuses on designing systems that are flexible, scalable, and meet the needs of the customer.
  • He believes that data is a crucial part of software development and that understanding data is essential for building good systems.
  • He has experience working with different data models, including relational databases and JSON.

Mike Bowers is the Chief Architect at FairCom with over 35 years of experience in software development and architecture. As the driving force behind FairCom's architecture and product roadmaps, Mike specializes in high-performance NoSQL and SQL databases, IIoT platforms, and legacy system modernization solutions. His wealth of knowledge extends to topics like database revolution, manufacturing 4.0, IIoT, edge computing, and data integration. With a deep understanding of the tech landscape, he actively contributes to the development of industry standards through his membership in the INCITS technical committee, focusing on SQL and GQL. Mike's insights resonate particularly well with audiences comprising CEOs, IT managers, software architects, software engineers, and controls engineers.


Behind every line of code, there's a person with a story. Software People Stories, from PM Power Consulting, moves beyond abstract theory and polished case studies to explore the real, human experience of building technology. This isn't about hypotheticals; it's a collection of candid conversations with the practitioners themselves-developers, designers, product managers, and architects-who share firsthand accounts from the trenches. They talk about the paths that led to success and, just as importantly, the unexpected detours and failures that provided the most valuable lessons. Each episode delves into the nuanced journey of discovering what users need, designing elegant systems, navigating complex development, and ultimately delivering solutions that matter. By focusing on these personal narratives, the podcast reveals the core of software creation: a blend of technical skill, creative problem-solving, and team dynamics. Listeners gain practical wisdom and relatable perspectives on the challenges and triumphs inherent in the tech industry. Tune in for an honest look at the craft, where the stories of people are just as crucial as the software they build. You'll find this podcast a refreshing source of insight for anyone involved in or curious about the technology and business landscapes, offering career lessons learned the hard way.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Software People Stories
Podcast Episodes
Exploring Peer-to-Peer Tech with Mathias Buus Madsen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:26
Shiv is in conversation with Mathias Buus Madsen, CEO of Holepunch, Copenhagen. In this episode, Mathias shareshis journey into software development, beginning as a math student and evolving into a passionate advocate fo…
From code to community with Sundar Rajan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:34
I am in conversation with Sundar Rajan, a serial entrepreneur, currently the founder of OneMyle, a platform that seeks to address the needs of hyperlocal digital marketing in neighborhoods. He was earlier the co-founder…
Conversation with a Cloud Computing Pioneer, David Young [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:12
My guest today is David Young,Founder at Federated Computer. He has been a pioneer in cloud computing even before the term was invented. In fact, he and his team helped invent the term.In this conversation we could recal…
Adaptability, Empathy, and Breaking Comfort Zones with Veena Rao [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:45
Today, as part of the women’s special series in March, 2025, my guest is Veena Rao, SVP & Global Head, Corporate Lending at Finastra with over 25 years’ of experience in financial services and banking technology.In this…
Journey in Innovation & Leadership with Ponni Krishnamoorthy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:32
Today, as part of the women’s special series in March, 2025, Gayatri Kalyanaraman is in conversation with Ponni Krishnamoorthy, Director and Global head of Telco cloud in Nokia talks about breaking societal expectations…
Learn, Unlearn and Re-Learn with Bindhu Unny [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:37
Bindhu Unny is a leadership coach, podcast host and Social Entrepreneur, who straddles various mediums giving all her work a unique stamp of inherent creativity. She has 20 years of global experience working for corporat…
Startup Struggles to Global Leadership with Vidya Kabra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:19
Our regular and long time listeners know that we dedicate the month of March every year for our special women guests.Welcome to the first special episode for March, 2025.In this episode, I am in conversation with Vidya K…
Full Stack leadership with Paramu Kurumathur [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:46
Sivaguru is in conversation with the serial author and colleague at PM Power, Paramu Kurumathur.They talk aboutThe trigger for the upcoming book is related to leadership.How this book builds on previous books but focuses…